Weekly Steps of Activism

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The election of Donald Trump as the next President of the United States is a scary and horrific thing for many of us. He and his cabinet, full of unqualified and unsuitable candidates, threaten civil rights, voter rights, climate control, health care, public education, social security, the first amendment, foreign relations, free press, and the values of most good and decent people everywhere. We must resist his actions to destroy the fabric of democracy and the security of our citizens. In an effort to do that, each week I share some acts of resistance and steps of activism you can take. Here are this week’s

The electoral college made it official on Monday and now we’re pretty much fucked for the next two years until the democrats hopefully take back Congress and impeach Trump. In the mean time, please help ensure that the person elected by popular vote for president in 2020 (and beyond) is guaranteed to become the president and not again get screwed over by the electoral college, an institution that was most likely set up to protect slavery. Help get the National Popular Vote bill passed and make every vote — and not just those from rural towns in swing states — count. How can you help get it passed? Share the link with friends, call and send emails to your local and state reps, donate to the National Popular Vote.

Until Trump is impeached, we have to fight and resist every way we can. Daily Action Alert is the new service that makes that super easy by letting you use your phone to fight Trump. Here’s out it works:

“You text the word “DAILY” to the number 228466 (or “ACTION”). After entering your ZIP code, you will receive one text message every workday about an issue that we have determined to be urgent, based on where you live. You might be calling to implore your senator or member of Congress to reject an unsavory appointee; you might be contacting Paul Ryan about safeguarding Medicare. We hope that, in time, we will have enough subscribers to target more local actions—getting Texans to call in about the new fetal-burial law, say, or North Carolinians to protest HB2.

Turning our attention globally, make some calls to Congress on behalf of the citizens of Aleppo, who are suffering unspeakable violence. We must get the U.S. to assist in any way possible with humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Call your Senator/Rep and ask them to speak out condemning the violence and call for the White House and National Security Council to provide immediate emergency assistance. Here’s a script:

“I’m —– —–, a constituent calling to tell that I’m horrified by the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo. I urge to make a speech on the floor to condemn the violence that has killed thousands, many of them children. should call for immediate action from the White House and National Security Council to help with evacuation efforts and provide humanitarian aid to refugee camps.”

Holy smokes Dear Wendy! You are the bravest of the brave! Thank you so very much for not submitting. Ordinary folks just give up, based on my observation. You are the best for very real. Thank you for providing this information for us.

“You are the bravest of the brave!”
This. I don’t personally agree with trying to completely eradicate the electoral college, (but I do think most states would benefit from reviewing and reforming the all or nothing way votes are typically appointed). I don’t feel secure enough in my own understanding of government to advocate for a new amendment to the constitution. I’m also weary of the likelihood of getting such an amendment passed (sorry to be a Debbie-downer). But I respect Wendy’s bravery and her willingness to put her views into actions. I still need to work through the indivisible link, but it appears to be a very specific and well-thought out guide to civic action, I’m excited to read and apply it as I find it applicable to my ideals and beliefs.